Check in at Cafe LUXE at The Relais Hotel, Hart Street, RG9 2AR where staff will scan the QR code from your confirmation; arrive 15 minutes early.

Do I need a boating license?

No license is required for the self-drive electric launch, but the driver must be over 18 and will receive a safety briefing.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund with 7 days notice or in the case of extreme weather, as offered by the operator.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes—pets are allowed but please notify the operator in advance so staff can advise on space and safety.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible; ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome and the operator offers accommodations for sensory needs on request.

Is food or drink included?

Food and drink are not included unless arranged in advance; extras such as Afternoon Tea can be added for a fee.

Pilot a Silent Electric Launch on the River Thames in Henley

There’s a quiet power to taking the helm of an electric launch on the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames. Electric Self-Drive 1 puts you in charge of a whisper-quiet river launch that moves smoothly past willow-fringed banks, classic boathouses and the rowing lanes where regattas have been decided for generations. The meeting point is Cafe LUXE at The Relais Hotel, Hart Street, RG9 2AR; you’ll arrive here, brief your skipper-less crew and step aboard from The Old Smithy, 19B Hart St, Henley-on-Thames RG9 2AR, UK. This self-drive experience is straightforward and social: groups up to six share a compact electric boat powered for peaceful glide, allowing you to pilot without a license while taking in the local landscape. Key features include the broad sweep of the Thames through Henley, the town’s historic boathouses, nearby locks and the open stretches favored by rowers. The river here cuts through low chalk and clay soils of the upper Thames basin; expect flat, reflective water, reedbeds, and stands of willows and alders that host nesting waterfowl. The appeal is in the hands-on access. You choose the pace—slow sightseeing past riverside pubs and Georgian terraces, or a longer run toward Remenham and Hambleden—while the electric motor keeps noise and wake to a minimum. It’s ideal for families, couples celebrating, or small groups after a relaxed afternoon afloat. The operator provides a safety briefing at Cafe LUXE; drivers must be over 18, and children travel with adults. Extras such as an onboard Afternoon Tea can turn a simple cruise into a memorable celebration. Local color matters: Henley’s annual Regatta has shaped the shoreline for nearly two centuries, and historic riverside architecture gives the outing a strong sense of place. Wildlife is conspicuous—mute swans, grebes and kingfishers are common—so bring binoculars and a camera. Practical notes: boats are not wheelchair accessible, though ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome; service animals are accepted; the company accommodates sensory and communication needs on request. Why book it? Electric Self-Drive 1 offers a low-impact, flexible way to experience a classic stretch of the Thames without prior boating experience. Quiet propulsion, simple handling and routes past iconic rowing country make it a standout local offering—an invitation to see Henley from water level and to pilot your own river day with ease. Bookings are flexible—Luxe Boating offers a full refund with 7 days' notice or if extreme weather cancels your outing. Check-in is at Cafe LUXE where staff scan the QR code emailed with your confirmation; arrive 15 minutes early to keep the schedule. Bring layers, sun protection, and a phone for navigation and photos. Smoking is not permitted on board; pets are allowed, and extras like transfers or catering can be arranged in advance.

About Luxe Boating

Luxe Boating operates from Henley-on-Thames, England, offering a curated fleet of restored classic launches and electric self-drive boats for river cruises and private events. Guests can choose from hands-on electric self-drive launches or book restored vintage vessels such as Venetian water taxis, 1930s American launches, Edwardian-style launches and celebrated yachts with cinematic provenance. Trips range from short scenic cruises to private celebrations, romantic evenings, and special-event charters along calm British waterways.

Luxe Boating maintains a focus on authenticity, restoration quality and quiet electric propulsion. Each vessel is presented fully restored or undergoing meticulous restoration where noted, with attention to mahogany finishes, period detailing and comfortable layouts for small groups. Safety standards and local licencing are observed for public and private operations on the River Thames and nearby waters.

Bookings accommodate private hire, special occasions and experiential outings, with optional on-board services such as Champagne, canapés and professional stewarding on select vessels. The fleet includes named boats like Sophia, Gatsby, La Serenissima, Patricia, Christina, Miti and the legendary Atlantis, alongside electric self-drive options for independent exploration.

Luxe Boating features on The Adventure Collective, providing added visibility and third-party recognition. Photographic views, seasonal cruising and tailored itineraries help guests create memorable river experiences. Reservations are managed through the operator’s booking channels with clear trip summaries, ensuring customers select the right vessel and duration for their needs.

Customer enquiries commonly request flexible start times, tailored routes and photography-focused cruises, enabling personalised itineraries that suit celebrations, proposals and relaxed weekend escapes along the Thames.

Pilot a Silent Electric Launch on the River Thames in Henley

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